Arts & Museums
Enhance your trip to Dayton by visiting one of our historic spots, watching a show in our recently renovated theater, taking a walking tour, or touring a museum.
Dayton's Historic Depot
Dayton's Historic Depot, originally built in 1881 and designed in the Stick/Eastlake style, it is now the oldest surviving passenger train station in the state. The Depot has been beautifully restored and is now a museum. Revolving exhibits are featured in the upstairs gallery. Located at 222 E. Commercial Street.
The cost is $5.00 for a very informative guided tour and for gallery exhibits.
WINTER HOURS (November thru April.): Wednesday thru Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm
SUMMER HOURS (May through October) : Wednesday thru Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, closing for lunch from noon to 1 pm. For information call 509-382-2026. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Holidays.
Columbia County Courthouse
Columbia County Courthouse completed in 1887 in beautiful Italianate architecture at a cost of $38,069.00, the courthouse experienced a major renovation to restore the exterior ornamental detail between 1991 and 1993. Tour the oldest working courthouse in the state, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The self-guided tour is free. Large groups are encouraged to call to schedule their visit at
509-382-4542.
Walking Tours & Architecture
Rich in area history, Dayton was first settled in the 1850's and soon became a thriving community. Between 1880 and 1910, prosperous businessmen and farmers built impressive residential, commercial, and public buildings in the Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic and Craftsman style. Today, 117 of those buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and form three National Historic Districts. Self guided walking tour maps are available for each district at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, the Depot, or local merchants.
Palus Artifact Museum
The Palus Artifact Museum located at 426 E Main Street (across from the Veterans Memorial) offers a collection of locally found artifacts from the Palouse Indian tribe. This Native American tribe spent their winters near Palouse Falls (pictured to the right) and their summers hunting game and collecting roots and berries in Dayton and the nearby Blue Mountains. Also on display is a beautiful collection of native plants. Museum hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Please call (509) 382-4820 or email ethorn@wildblue.net for more information.
The Boldman House Museum
The Boldman House was bequeathed to the Dayton Historical Depot Society in July of 2000 by Gladys Boldman. Since the formation of a Boldman House Standing Committee, the former residence is experiencing major renovations as well as yielding numerous historically-significant artifacts that are being cataloged, with many of them being incorporated into displays at the House Museum. For more information please contact the Historic Dayton Depot at (509) 382-2026.
Monteillet Fromagerie
Pierre-Louis and Joan Monteillet are proud to announce the production of three artisanal chevre cheeses available for order. Their Fromage Blanc, Herbed Chevre and Fresh Montrachet are handcrafted from goat's milk right here in Dayton and are available in 8oz & 16oz packages. The Fromagerie is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and weekdays by appointment. Monteillet Fromagerie or call (509) 382-1917 for more information.
The Liberty Theater
Dayton's recently renovated circa 1910 Liberty Theater, located at 344 East Main Street is home to current movies, art shows, children's theater, and stage productions. They also host a classic film series, generally on the second Thursday of the month. Call 509-382-1380 for more information.